In a deeply emotional moment from the new documentary Ozzy: No Escape From Now, Jack Osbourne, the son of legendary rockstar Ozzy Osbourne, opens up about the devastating consequences of his father’s 2019 spinal surgery. As Ozzy’s health issues worsened, Jack’s heartbreak and anger became palpable, especially as he reflected on how an avoidable medical mistake might have robbed his father of mobility and quality of life during his final years.
The documentary, which premiered on Paramount+, offers an intimate and revealing look into the rocker’s life, chronicling the physical and emotional toll that Ozzy’s health struggles, particularly his Parkinson’s disease and the complications from surgery, took on both him and his family. Jack, visibly shaken, spoke candidly about the pain and frustration he felt as he recalled his father’s deteriorating condition following the procedure.
“The major problem is the nerve damage from the bad neck surgery,” Jack explains in the documentary, breaking down in tears. “Yes, the Parkinson’s is progressing and, yes, it’s showing up in various ways, but his lack of mobility is the huge issue.”
The 39-year-old continued to describe the profound emotional toll of watching his father suffer, adding, “That f—ing doctor just stripped him of his abilities to move, and it makes me so angry because I felt like all of this could’ve been avoided. It didn’t have to happen.”
A Devastating Turn After Surgery
The story of Ozzy’s spinal surgery begins in 2019 when he suffered a fall while getting into bed. The injury appeared to be relatively minor at first, but it quickly escalated into a series of medical complications. Ozzy, who had been battling Parkinson’s disease for years, needed spinal surgery to address the damage from the fall. However, the surgery, meant to stabilize his neck, ultimately worsened his condition.
As Aimee Osbourne, Ozzy’s daughter, explains in the documentary, the operation did not achieve the intended results. “The surgery was supposed to stabilize and it just seemed to trigger more injuries beneath the initial injury,” Aimee says, describing the aftermath. This unforeseen worsening of Ozzy’s condition was a blow not only to him but to his family as well, who had hoped for a recovery that would allow the iconic musician to regain some of his independence.
What followed was a relentless cycle of surgeries and pain. Sharon Osbourne, Ozzy’s wife, shared the heartbreaking reality of their ordeal. “He went from one surgery to another to another,” Sharon reveals, emphasizing the toll the procedures took on Ozzy’s body. The situation was made worse when a second surgeon later told Sharon that Ozzy’s initial spinal operation had been “overly aggressive,” involving procedures that weren’t necessary and that ultimately caused more damage.
The family’s frustration and sadness are palpable throughout the documentary, with Sharon adding that plates and screws were placed around Ozzy’s neck during the initial surgery, a decision that seemed to have been a contributing factor to his ongoing pain and loss of mobility. “What this other surgeon had done was he put plates on either side of his neck with all these screws,” Sharon explains. “Apparently, that didn’t need to be done, so he caused even more damage.”
The Family’s Heartache and Final Surgery
Ozzy’s condition worsened with each passing day. In September 2021, after multiple failed surgeries, Sharon and the family made the difficult decision to have the metal plates and screws removed. But by then, much of the damage had already been done. The corrective surgery was a last-ditch effort to help, but it didn’t undo the harm caused by the previous procedures.
The constant medical procedures, compounded by Ozzy’s ongoing battle with Parkinson’s, led to a heartbreaking admission from Ozzy himself. Sharon recalls, “Some days, he wanted to die. He’s in so much pain, he can’t take it. He just wishes he could go.” Despite the family’s best efforts to support him, Ozzy’s spirit seemed to be crushed by his health struggles. The rockstar, who had spent decades electrifying audiences with his larger-than-life persona, was now struggling with the simplest movements and confined to a life of pain.
The pain from his neck injury was so severe that Ozzy was forced to cancel his 2023 tour, a deeply upsetting decision for the rocker who had spent most of his life performing for his fans. Ozzy confessed during a posthumous interview, “I said to Sharon, ‘I’m sorry I’m a burden to you.’ And she goes, ‘What the f— is wrong with you?’ But that’s what I felt! I’m not good at being sick.”
Ozzy’s Last Performance and His Legacy
Despite his physical limitations, Ozzy was determined to perform one last time in front of his fans. His final live performance was at Black Sabbath’s “Back to the Beginning” farewell concert in early 2023, just weeks before his death. The event was a star-studded benefit concert featuring performances from heavy-metal legends like Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Mastodon, and others. Proceeds from the concert went to support several charitable causes, including Cure Parkinson’s, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, and Acorn Children’s Hospice.
Before taking the stage, Ozzy spoke emotionally to the crowd, expressing his gratitude for the fans who had supported him throughout his long career. “I just want to say to you on behalf of the guys in Black Sabbath and myself, your support over the years has made it all possible for us to live the lifestyle that we do,” Ozzy said. “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I love you. We love you.”
This final performance was bittersweet for Ozzy and his family, as it marked both the end of an era for Black Sabbath and the end of Ozzy’s active music career. It was an emotional farewell from a man who had given his all to music and had impacted millions around the world.
A Son’s Grief and Love
For Jack Osbourne, the documentary captures the pain of losing a father who was not only a rock icon but also a deeply loved and cherished family member. His tears and raw emotions reflect the complexity of loving someone who has suffered so much, and the sense of anger and helplessness that comes with watching a loved one’s health deteriorate due to factors beyond their control.
The documentary provides an intimate look at the challenges the Osbourne family faced during Ozzy’s final years, showcasing not only the physical struggles Ozzy endured but also the deep emotional toll it took on his loved ones. Jack’s grief and frustration are laid bare, giving fans a rare glimpse into the personal impact of Ozzy’s decline.
Conclusion
Ozzy: No Escape From Now is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life, the toll of chronic illness, and the importance of family. For Jack Osbourne, the pain of watching his father’s health decline will stay with him forever, as he continues to grapple with the anger that such an avoidable medical mishap could have caused so much harm. The documentary serves as both a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne’s incredible legacy and a heart-wrenching look at the personal cost of his health battles.
Through Jack’s tears, Sharon’s unwavering support, and Ozzy’s final moments on stage, the documentary paints a picture of a family that endured hardship and heartache but remained united in their love for one another. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Osbourne family, who, despite facing overwhelming obstacles, continued to fight for Ozzy’s well-being until the very end.
